--- title: "Project Showcase: UC San Diego Torrey Pines Living & Learning Neighborhood" description: Solarban® 70 glass helps UC San Diego's sustainable student housing address climate and social challenges including drought, seismic activity and affordability. image: https://vcn.vitroglazings.com/hubfs/UCSD%20Torrey%20Pines_Tom%20Harris_1-1.jpg --- [![VCN_Hor_RGB](https://vcn.vitroglazings.com/hs-fs/hubfs/VCN_Hor_RGB.png?width=320&height=56&name=VCN_Hor_RGB.png "VCN_Hor_RGB")](https://blog.vitroglazings.com/vcn) # *Vitro Certified*® Newsletter ### The *Vitro Certified*® Newsletter is a quarterly newsletter for glass fabricators, laminators and window manufacturers within the *Vitro Certified*® Network. For more information about the *Vitro Certified*® Network, visit Vitro Architectural Glass (formerly PPG Glass) at [VitroGlazings.com](https://www.vitroglazings.com). --- ## Project Showcase: UC San Diego Torrey Pines Living & Learning Neighborhood Posted by [Vitro Architectural Glass](https://vcn.vitroglazings.com/author/vitro-architectural-glass) on Mar 5, 2024, 11:04:07 AM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) **University of California, San Diego North Torrey Pines Living and Learning Neighborhood** SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA  ![Photography by Tom Harris.](https://vcn.vitroglazings.com/hs-fs/hubfs/UCSD%20Torrey%20Pines_Tom%20Harris_1-1.jpg?width=533&height=355&name=UCSD%20Torrey%20Pines_Tom%20Harris_1-1.jpg)*Solarban`®` 70 glass provides transparency and views and enhances occupant comfort in the LEED Platinum-certified neighborhood.* | **Vitro Architectural Glass Product:** | *Solarban*`®` 70 Glass | | --- | --- | | **Architect/Designers:** | HKS Inc.— San Diego Safdie Rabines Architects — San Diego, CA | | **Owner:** | University of California | | ***Vitro Certified® Fabricator*:** | Glasswerks | | **Glazing Contractor:** | Tower Glass Inc. — Santee, CA | | **General Contractor:** | Clark Construction Group — San Diego, CA  | | **Photographer:** | Tom Harris | ***Project Background***  For the design of the largest project in University of California, San Diego’s history, the University wanted a highly sustainable, energy efficient design that addressed Southern California’s climate and social challenges including drought, seismic activity and affordable student housing. As HKS and Safdie Rabines Architects began designing the new North Torrey Pines Living and Learning Neighborhood (NTPLLN), these priorities were top of mind for the project’s three residence halls, two academic buildings, eight general assignment classrooms, offices, parking and public amenities. ![UCSD Torrey Pines_Tom Harris_2](https://vcn.vitroglazings.com/hs-fs/hubfs/UCSD%20Torrey%20Pines_Tom%20Harris_2.jpg?width=367&height=245&name=UCSD%20Torrey%20Pines_Tom%20Harris_2.jpg) “To improve the quality and character of UC San Diego housing, there was a strong desire to maximize exterior glazing to provide ideal views and natural light,” explains Dr. Tommy Zakrzewski, principal and director, Building Engineering Physics, HKS. In addition, the Owner’s Program Requirements stated that a minimum of 30% glazing be included in the exterior elevations, and, where applicable, exterior shading, screening and high-performance coatings be considered for optimal thermal and visual comfort. “Based on previous project success, Vitro Architectural Glass products were initially chosen for their aesthetic appeal and performance enhancements,” reports Zakrzewski. “*Solarban*`®` 70 glass was selected based on the desired transparency of the glass and visual clarity that it offers which helped to create stronger biophilic connections to the exterior environment maintaining a connection to nature and light through the building enclosure.” *Solarban*`®` 70 solar control low-e glass from Vitro Architectural Glass has a color-neutral aesthetic and offers unprecedented solar control and visible light transmittance (VLT). When coupled with conventional clear glass in a one-inch insulating glass unit (IGU), *Solarban*`®` 70 glass provides a solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC) of 0.27 and VLT of 64%, making it an ideal choice for the NTPLLN project. The glazing also helps the buildings avoid overheating during extreme heat climate events which was essential for occupant comfort. As for health and wellbeing, *Solarban*`®` 70 glass supports extensive daylighting, scenic coastal views and connections to the Southern California climate. Along these same lines, the project tapped into HKS’ Mindful Materials Library — which includes Vitro Architectural Glass — to identify products with socially responsible supply chains. Through the early design process for this American Institute of Architects (AIA) COTE Top Ten-winning project, the team utilized Honeybee linked to Grasshopper/Rhino to support detailed daylighting, comfort and energy calculations. To optimize the SHGC, window-to-wall ratio (WWR) and VLT, the glass was parameterized.  “The results from the initial shoe-box energy model were then integrated in the final whole-building energy model — including all passive and active design measures — achieving all LEED`®` points for the Optimize Energy Performance and supporting the achievement of the Daylight Design credit utilizing IESVE software,” he explains. ![UCSD Torrey Pines_Tom Harris_4](https://vcn.vitroglazings.com/hs-fs/hubfs/UCSD%20Torrey%20Pines_Tom%20Harris_4.jpg?width=540&height=373&name=UCSD%20Torrey%20Pines_Tom%20Harris_4.jpg)*As the largest construction project in University of California, San Diego’s history, North Torrey Pines Living and Learning Neighborhood features three daylit residence halls, two academic buildings, eight general assignment classrooms, offices and public amenities.*  Ultimately, the final window-to-wall ratio was 35%, exceeding UC San Diego’s WWR target. Providing equitable access to daylighting was another important design consideration. Checking that box, 75% of regularly occupied areas are daylit and 95% have quality views. Due to the adjacencies, site massing and orientation of the buildings, window placement proved to be another challenge. To assist with this, solar insolation mapping of the building enclosure was performed with *Solarban*`®` 70 glass to best understand the annual and seasonal changes in direct solar radiation. In addition to featuring healthy materials, the design honors UC San Diego’s distinct architectural vernacular. This includes warm white exposed cast-in-place concrete structures and wood panels. Further decreasing carbon and construction material quantities, structural post-tension floor slabs were used to reduce thickness and rebar use, increase resistance to soil deflection and minimize building heights, which, in turn, led to a surface area with less cladding. “While the energy savings from daylighting contributed to lower operational greenhouse gas emissions through the reduction of energy demand, the true value of the design for UC San Diego resulted in the enhancement to occupant health and wellbeing at a time when students needed it the most, while isolated in place during the Pandemic,” says Zakrzewski. NTPLLN provides 2,048 beds at belowmarket rates, with suites and apartments organized around indoor and outdoor common areas that foster social interactions, collaboration and restorative connections to nature. A rooftop community garden grows fresh vegetables and herbs, and community kitchens offer places for cooking healthy meals. All buildings are designed for passive survivability with natural ventilation systems and operable windows to help maintain indoor thermal comfort during extreme climate events. Other sustainable design features include photovoltaic arrays powering a net-zero parking structure and an anaerobic digester that processes food waste into electricity and fertilizer. NTPLLN is the most substantial project in the higher education sector to receive LEED Platinum certification.   To learn more about *Solarban*® 70 glass, visit **vitroglazings.com** or call **1-855-VTRO-GLS (887-6457).**  ©2024 Vitro Architectural Glass. All rights reserved. *Solarban*® and *Vitro Certified®* are registered trademarks owned by Vitro. LEED® — an acronym for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design™ — is a registered trademark of the U.S. Green Building Council`®`. #### Newsletter Archive:  - [June 2026](https://info.vitroglazings.com/a-trusted-and-proven-partnership-2) - Project Showcase: Hillman Library, Pittsburgh, PA - Technical Forum: *EcoArmor*™ Protective Topcoat  - Get to Know Vitro: Meet Johnny Lorigan - [March 2026](https://info.vitroglazings.com/a-toast-to-25-years) - Project Showcase: Lincoln Yards, Chicago, IL - Technical Forum: *Vitro Certified*® Network Online Training Resources - Get to Know Vitro: Honoring Women’s History Month - [December 2025](https://info.vitroglazings.com/vitro-drives-meaningful-progress-1) - Project Showcase: Nashville Airport Hilton, Nashville, TN - Technical Forum: The Growing Role of Glass Reflectivity in Buildings - Get to Know Vitro: New Roles for Chris Fronsoe and Trevor Hall - [October 2025](https://info.vitroglazings.com/vitro-drives-meaningful-progress) - Project Showcase: 700 Santana Row, San Jose, California - Technical Forum: *BirdSmart*® Bird Safe Glass Research & Testing - Get to Know Vitro: Logan Tautkus-Berry - [June 2025](https://info.vitroglazings.com/were-a-glass-half-full-kind-of-company) - Project Showcase: FirstHealth Cancer Center - Technical Forum: FramingFactor™ - Get to Know Vitro: Ben Rider - [March 2025](https://info.vitroglazings.com/2025-has-already-taken-off) - Project Showcase: National Aviary, Pittsburgh, PA - Technical Forum: Bird Safe Glass Advancements and Trends - Get to Know Vitro: Dan Plotnick - [January 2025](https://info.vitroglazings.com/2024-was-a-certified-success-for-vitro-architectural-glass) - Project Showcase: Hugel Welcome Center (Lafayette College) - Technical Forum: Center of Glass vs. Framing Performance - Get to Know Vitro: Patrick (PJ) Campbell - [September 2024](https://info.vitroglazings.com/vitro-certified-network-members-q3-check-in-1) - Project Showcase: RIDC Mill 19 - Technical Forum: Methods for Improving U‑Value - Get to Know Vitro: Larry Withrow - [July 2024](https://info.vitroglazings.com/second-quarterly-update-for-vitro-certified-network-members) - Project Showcase: Amazon HQ2 - Technical Forum: Sustainability Certifications - Get to Know Vitro: Patty Fisher - [March 2024](https://info.vitroglazings.com/first-quarter-for-vitro-certified-network-members) - Project Showcase: UC San Diego Torrey Pines Living & Learning Neighborhood - Technical Forum: Condensation - Get to Know Vitro: Fernando Diez - [January 2024](https://info.vitroglazings.com/first-quarterly-update-for-vitro-certified-network-members) - Project Showcase: BancFirst Tower  - Technical Forum: Embodied Carbon  - Get to Know Vitro: Meet Erin Casci  - [October 2023](https://info.vitroglazings.com/q3-update-for-vitro-certified-network-members-1) - Project Showcase: Hanna Gabriel Wells Architects  - Technical Forum: Pros and Cons of Gas-Filled IGUs  - Get to Know Vitro: Bill Davis  - [June 2023](https://info.vitroglazings.com/q2-update-for-vitro-certified-network-members) - Project Showcase: Pittsburgh Produce Terminal  - Technical Forum: Framing and Performance Values  - Get to Know Vitro: Chris Fronsoe  - [April 2023](https://info.vitroglazings.com/q1-2023-update-for-vitro-certified-members) - Project Showcase: Pikes Peak Summit House  - Technical Forum: Color Rendering Index  - Get to Know Vitro: Heather Brion  - [December 2022](https://info.vitroglazings.com/fourth-quarter-update-for-vitro-certified-network-members-2022) -  Project Showcase: 345 4th Street  - Technical Forum: Vacuum Insulating Glass FAQs  - Get to Know Vitro: Andre Kenstowicz  - [September 2022](https://info.vitroglazings.com/third-quarter-update-for-vitro-certified-network-members) - Project Showcase: 70 Rainey  - Technical Forum: Codes & Climate Zones  - Get to Know Vitro: Dan Sutton  - [July 2022](https://info.vitroglazings.com/second-quarter-update-for-vitro-certified-network-members) - Project Showcase: Moody Center - Technical Forum: *Titan* oversized glass - Get to Know Vitro: Annissa Flickinger  - [March 2022](https://info.vitroglazings.com/first-quarter-update-for-vitro-certified-network-members) - Project Showcase: KOI Sky Residences  - Technical Forum: Embodied Carbon  - Get to Know Vitro: Mike Hammond  - [December 2021](https://info.vitroglazings.com/fourth-quarter-update-for-vitro-certified-network-members?hs_preview=wuFvkqXz-68122100225) - Project Showcase: Watershed  - Technical Forum: *Vitro Certified*™ Network Professional Training Modules  - Get to Know Vitro: Adam Polcyn  - [October 2021](https://info.vitroglazings.com/committing-to-innovating-sustainably) - Project Showcase: Congress Square  - Technical Forum: *VacuMax*™ Vacuum Insulating Glass (VIG)  - Get to Know Vitro: Nathan McKenna  - [June 2021](https://1977288.hubspotpreview-na1.com/_hcms/preview/content/48387080968?portalId=1977288&_preview=true&cacheBust=0&preview_key=bfZWBlMX&from_buffer=false) - Project Showcase: McMaster University  - Technical Forum: BIPV Q&A - Get to Know Your New Sample Order Website - Get to Know Vitro: Lauren Black, Ph.D.    - [March 2021](https://info.vitroglazings.com/new-product-update-and-more) - Project Showcase: HOPE Tower  - Technical Forum: Glass Options for School Safety  - Get to Know Vitro: Emily Losego  - [November 2020](https://info.vitroglazings.com/innovation-and-our-people) - Project Showcase: Old Chicago Post Office  - Technical Forum: Keys to Diagnosing Glass Breakage  - Get to Know Vitro: Steve Marino  - [August 2020](https://info.vitroglazings.com/vitro-vcn-september-1-2020) - Technical Forum: Bird-Safe Buildings Act Closer to Law  - Project Showcase: Rolex Tower  - Get to Know Vitro: Martin Bracamonte  - [May 2020](https://info.vitroglazings.com/here-for-each-other) - Decontaminating Glass Surfaces  - Personnel Training Series  - Contactless Bills of Lading (BOL) Now Available  - [January 2020](https://info.vitroglazings.com/the-solarban-acuity-opportunity-1) - Technical Forum: The Latest in Bird Safe Glass Legislation  - Project Showcase: Calgary Central Library  - Get to Know Vitro: Paul Bush  - [September 2019](https://info.vitroglazings.com/the-solarban-acuity-opportunity) - Our *Solarban*®-Coated *Acuity®* Glass Journey  - Technical Forum: Specifying Heat-Rated Glass  - Project Showcase: Kinects Tower  - Get to Know Vitro: Julia Giba  - [July 2019](https://info.vitroglazings.com/invested-in-our-people) - Technical Forum: Silicone Strength  - Get to Know Vitro: Joanne Funyak  - Project Showcase: 181 Fremont  - [March 2019](https://info.vitroglazings.com/two-new-chapters) - Technical Forum: Eliminating the Stress Over Strain Patterns  - Project Showcase: University of Oklahoma College of Medicine  - Get to Know Vitro: Carlisle, PA  - [January 2019](https://info.vitroglazings.com/eyes-on-quality) - The Hallmarks of Product Quality  - Vitro Survey: Insights on General Contractors  - Get to Know Vitro: Salem, Oregon  - [August 2018](https://info.vitroglazings.com/the-future-is-here) - Technical Forum: Diagnosing Glass Breakage  - Project Showcase: UCSD Jacobs Medical Center  - Get to Know Your Glass Supplier: Carlisle, PA  - Gearing Up to Transport Jumbo Glass  - [March 2018](https://info.vitroglazings.com/vitro-certified-newsletter-march-2018) - Technical Forum: Focusing Beyond Glass Construction in Specifications  - Project Showcase: BioSteel Centre  - Technical Articles to Share with Your Customers  - Vitro, on the Road  - Get to Know Your Glass Supplier: Wichita Falls, Texas  - [November 2017](https://info.vitroglazings.com/365-days-in) - Technical Forum: Temporary Film Fabrication Guidelines  - Project Showcase: ProMedica Health and Wellness Center  - Lunchtime Training Seminars  - Get to Know Your Glass Supplier: Fresno, California  - [August 2017](https://info.vitroglazings.com/introducing-the-vitro-certified-newsletter-1) - Technical Forum: New Vitro Glass EPDs Are An Industry First  - Project Showcase: 7 Bryant Park  - Your Show, On the Road  - Get to Know Your Glass Supplier: A Preview  #### Recent Stories:  [![Vitro_PPG_Horiz_RGB.png](https://vcn.vitroglazings.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Vitro_PPG_Horiz_RGB.png?width=353&name=Vitro_PPG_Horiz_RGB.png "Vitro_PPG_Horiz_RGB.png")](http://www.vitroglazings.com/en-US/Glass.aspx)